I photographed this Opossum on May 19, 2019, at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. At the time, the refuge was still dry, but heavy rains soon turned the area into a vast floodplain. The flooding that followed broke records across Oklahoma and Arkansas, with the Arkansas River near Fort Smith reaching 38.2 feet on Sunday, surpassing the previous high from April 1945. With more rain on the way, it was predicted to rise even higher, peaking at 42.5 feet.
I encountered this Opossum along the side of the auto tour road. That morning, I observed four Opossums running together. Three seemed to be pursuing a single individual, which I guessed was a female, based on the apparent competition. During the breeding season, which can start as early as December and last through October, male Opossums often display aggressive and vocal behavior when competing for mates. The vocalizations and confrontations I witnessed supported this behavior.
The Opossum I photographed had wandered off from the group. I parked my vehicle a distance away and approached slowly on foot, allowing me to get close enough for this shot. The Opossum was navigating through tall grass, offering a natural frame for the photograph.
For this shot, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens via a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. Here were the specific settings:
- Aperture Priority Mode (AV)
- Shutter Speed: 1/125 sec
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 500
The aperture of f/5.6 helped to isolate the Opossum from its surroundings, creating a shallow depth of field that blurred the background while keeping the animal in focus. Shooting handheld at a shutter speed of 1/125 sec required a steady hand, especially given the movement of the Opossum. The ISO setting of 500 provided enough sensitivity to maintain a good exposure without introducing excessive noise.
Opossum Behavior and Breeding
Opossums are North America’s only marsupials, with a breeding season that extends from December to October. Most young are born between February and June. During the mating season, males can become particularly active and vocal as they compete for females. The males will often pursue a female for some time, as I witnessed on this day.
The Flood’s Impact on Wildlife
The historic flooding that submerged Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge had a significant impact on local wildlife. Many animals were displaced, and some areas of the refuge remained underwater for extended periods. The floodwaters reshaped the landscape, potentially affecting the habitats and behaviors of various species.
Despite the challenges, wildlife has a remarkable ability to adapt. This Opossum sighting, just days before the floodwaters arrived, serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience and the ever-changing environment at places like Sequoyah.
Photography Tips for Capturing Small Mammals
- Approach Slowly: Small mammals like Opossums are easily startled. Move quietly and keep a low profile to avoid scaring them away.
- Use a Telephoto Lens: A lens with a focal length of at least 300mm allows you to keep a safe distance while still filling the frame with your subject.
- Monitor the Shutter Speed: When shooting handheld, use a shutter speed fast enough to counter any camera shake, especially if the animal is moving.
- Focus on the Eyes: Make sure the animal’s eyes are sharp. This draws the viewer’s attention and gives life to the image.
Capturing this Opossum was a fortunate encounter, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to document it before the flood dramatically changed the landscape.